Holiday Hazards for Pets

Written by Tina Wismer, DVM, DABVT, DABT

The holiday season is upon us, and many people plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be sure to steer pets clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations.

Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations

Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and
fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water--
which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling.
Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up
with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.

Avoid Mistletoe & Holly: Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and
cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in
cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or
choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Tinsel-less Town: Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat
around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can
lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible
surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

That Holiday Glow: Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn
themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate
candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the
candle out!

Wired Up: Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws'
reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured
battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable
ornaments can damage your pet's mouth and digestive tract.

Avoid Holiday Food Dangers

Skip the Sweets: By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything
sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising pet
will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from
the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

Leave the Leftovers: Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones,
should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun
ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.

Careful with Cocktails: If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be
sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If
ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly
resulting in death from respiratory failure.

Selecting Special Treats: Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Stick with chew
toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer.

Plan a Pet-Safe Holiday Gathering

House Rules: If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Put the Meds Away: Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure
doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed
away, too.

A Room of Their Own: Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

New Year's Noise: As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that
strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps
necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage
to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

Always Be Prepared!
Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

Educational Resource Courtesy of:
veterinarypartner.vin.com/doc/?id=6048033&pid=19239